"Curry" is a collective term for a mixture of spices in Indian, Southeast Asian and Middle Eastern cuisines. Turmeric -- a member of the ginger family -- is typically one of the main ingredients and contributes to curry's bright yellow color.

While pregnant, you are actually eating for two, but you do not need to eat twice as much as you normally do. In fact, during the first trimester you don't need any additional calories per day, while in the second trimester you need only 340 extra calories, and the third trimester, 450 extra calories.

Beans are high in protein, iron, fiber and other nutrients -- and low in fat, cholesterol and sodium. In addition, beans are inexpensive, delicious in a variety of dishes and an excellent substitute for meat. Eating beans may have some drawbacks, however, including gastrointestinal problems.

Avocados are loaded with healthy fats, vitamins and minerals. However, overindulging in any type of food – including avocados – can lead to weight gain, obesity and even nutrient deficiencies. Eating foods – even healthy foods -- in moderation is key to healthy weight management and reducing your risk of disease.

Older adults need higher amounts of certain nutrients than their younger counterparts. Changes in metabolism, chewing or swallowing difficulties and taste changes can all affect the ability of older folks to meet their nutrient needs.

The hot dogs you've had at the ballpark or during a backyard barbecue were most likely cured hot dogs. While they're some of the most popular varieties of cured meat, they aren't the only type of hot dog: hot dogs can also come uncured.

If you're reading the ingredient list on the packaged foods you eat, you may come across ingredients you've never heard of and may wonder about their uses. Cultured dextrose is a food additive found in a variety of foods, from meats to salad dressing, and it is used to prolong shelf life.

If you like aged cheese, sauerkraut, kimchi, sourdough bread, yogurt, beer or wine, then you're familiar with fermented foods. Fermentation is a way to preserve food that has been practiced by most cultures for thousands of years. In addition, the process helps retain nutrients and prevents spoilage.

Crunchy, crisp and refreshing, celery is a low-fat, low-calorie vegetable that can be eaten raw or cooked. While celery has a number of health benefits, it is also high in fiber and sodium, which means if it is eaten in high quantities, it can cause trouble.

Fresh juices and smoothies make a nutritious snack or breakfast, helping you meet your daily fruit recommendation, between 1.5 to 2 cups per day, as set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Blending fruits does not significantly change their nutritional value unless you store the blended drink for an extended period.

No one food or specific group of foods is going to help you grow faster. To grow at a healthy rate, you need a well-balanced diet that includes enough calories, carbs, protein and fat and include foods that provide all the essential vitamins and minerals your body needs for normal growth.

Frozen food remains safe to eat for months in the freezer, but once food thaws, the clock that measures its edible phase begins to tick. Even if you've thawed food safely in the microwave, refrigerator or a cold water bath, refreezing it will degrade its quality.